We're more than half way on our 9-night adventure through the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan staying at Amankora Lodges in Gangtey, Bumthang, Punakha and Paro.

Our guide Tashi and our driver Phuntsho have been fabulous showing us this Himalayan kingdom. Our journey from Jakar (Bumthang) to Punakha follows the East-West highway west over Pele La (3420m) and the Black Mountains to Trongsa for a visit to the Ta Dzong, a watchtower converted to a national museum of history and culture.

The Amankora Punakha sits in the beautiful Punakha Valley with only 8 rooms and a main farmhouse, the former residence of the Queen mother. We dined outdoors surrounded by rice fields and orchards. Highlights included white-water rafting on the Pho Chhu (Father River) and a visit to the Punakha Dzong built in 1637. It is the most beautiful in the country surrounded by lilac-coloured jaracanda trees and the junction of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu.

Next posting: Amankora Paro, Bhutan